Alabama: Pro-Gun Reform Needs Your Immediate Action

On April 19, the Alabama Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 304 with a 27-0 vote.  Since then, the Alabama Sheriffs Association has launched an all-out, behind-the-scenes assault on this important reform in an effort to prevent SB 304 from receiving a hearing in the House of Representatives. The reason? They are terrified of the prospect of defending their indefensible opposition to this pro-carry reform in a public forum.  With only two session days remaining, it is imperative that you contact your state Representative and politely urge them to represent the interests of their constituents, not the Sheriffs’ coffers.  Please click the “Take Action” button below to contact your state Representative in support of SB 304!

SB 304 would allow law-abiding Alabamians to apply for a concealed carry permit in the county that offers the most affordable permitting fees.  Currently, costs for a standard 5-year permit very widely between counties, from a low of $40, to a high of $125.  

Background on Senate Bill 304:

Examples of costs differences between Alabama’s 67 counties for a standard 5-year Concealed Weapons License (CWL):

• Low – Jefferson County - $40 for a standard 5 year permit
• High –$125 for a standard 5 year permit, in:

                -Coosa
                -DeKalb
                -Lowndes
                -Macon

• Over a 5-year period those rights cost approximately $85.00 more in Macon County compared to Jefferson County.
• The permittee receives no additional benefit for this more expensive permit.
• Counties that charge excessive fees are simply generating revenue from a small group of law-abiding residents.
• It is a discriminatory tax on law-abiding gun owners.
• Senate Bill 304 recognizes that a law-abiding Alabamian’s right and ability to obtain a concealed weapon license should not be impeded based, simply, on the county in which they live.
• Under Alabama’s existing licensing scheme, provided an individual who wishes to obtain a CWL must apply for such license in their county of residence.  Furthermore, under current law, counties have discretion in determining the cost of a CWL.
• Senate Bill 304, would allow a law-abiding Alabama resident to obtain a CWL in any county within the state, provided that they are not statutorily disqualified from doing so.